Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Choosing Pain Killers

Hey there - been missing you! Are you talking about menstrual cramps or IBS? For menstrual, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ( or NSAID) is best, because it inhibits prostagladin production, and excess prostagladins are what cause the uterine contractions. In plain English this is something like ibuprofen or naprosyn (Advil, Aleve). These can definitely upset your whole GI tract, so only take with a meal. You can get prescription NSAIDs that are much less likely to cause stomach problems (something like Celebrex) but there's nothing over-the-counter yet.

For IBS, you've only got prescription choices. Either anti-spasmodics (like Levsin, Donnatol, Nulev) or serious painkillers like Vicodin. The lucky Canadians have Dicetel. None of these drugs will cause stomach upset like the NSAIDs, though they can cause constipation and, with the narcotics, nausea.

- H

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Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!

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